Review by Saxy S for Crypt Sermon - The Ruins of Fading Light (2019)

A very solid dose of traditionalist doom metal, with a couple of new twists. For one, the guitar work on this album is pretty damn great! I like how the lead doesn't feel obliged to stay in the slower, melodic vein of the rest of the album and there are some pretty awesome shredding moments. The vocalist is pretty good at alternating between his cleaner lows and raspy high belting. I'm not a huge fan of when he growls though; it doesn't happen a lot, but it feels out of place and doesn't contribute much.

From a compositional standpoint, the album is pretty streamlined and most song ideas flow seamlessly from one into the next. The album does have quite a bit of meandering moments, highlighted by three interludes, two of them placed beside each other in the albums playthrough. Some songs also take their time reaching their conclusion, such as "The Snake Handler", even if the sum of its parts make it a pretty good song.

If I'm comparing this album to Spirit Adrift's album Divided By Darkness, this album is much heavier and more technically proficient. But from a melodic standpoint, it does feel like a lesser project. Still, the hybrid nature of this album is commendable. I hope these guys can iron out some of the kinks in the future because they have the potential to make something great. Keep an eye out for Crypt Sermon.